To the editor:

On Thursday, Nov. 12 the East Providence City Council will be hosting our 4th annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner. The event takes place at St. Martha's from 6-8 p.m. We are excited this year to partner with culinary students at the East Providence High School Career and Technical Center to provide a pasta dinner with desserts. We also are thankful to the Coke-A-Cola company for providing a donation of beverages.

East Providence is home to many proud Veterans. When I took office in 2023 I asked my fellow council members for support in a starting a Veterans Advisory Committee and with their support we created the VAC to advocate for and honor veterans. In the past four years we have held numerous informational sessions, partnering with the State of Rhode Island VA Director's Office, and have held social events for veterans to come together in fellowship. We held meetings with state elected officials to advocate for legislation that helps veterans. We created the Hometown Heroes Banner project that is finally coming to light. And we created the Veterans Appreciation Dinner sponsored by the city council.

As I near the end of my term I want to thank the members of the VAC — Tony, Brian, Bill, Cap, and Richard — as well as our partners, Tori with the Blue Star Families organization, and Matt, with The Elk’s, and Mike, with Veteran's Inc. I am proud to have served on this committee with all of you.
And finally thank you to Bob, Frank, Anna, and Frank, my fellow city council members for your awesome support. We veterans appreciate all you have done.

Rick Lawson
East Providence City Council
Ward 4